How to Import Apple Mail to Thunderbird? Ultimate Guide

Summary: This guide helps users import Apple Mail to Thunderbird by using simple methods that best suit their mailbox data. You can choose to export emails in MBOX format, synchronize via IMAP, upload them as EML files, or go with our professional solution to migrate data in bulk. Want to do the opposite? Read this: Import Thunderbird to Apple Mail

Reasons to Migrate Apple Mail to Thunderbird

There are various aspects for which a user tends to import apple mail to Thunderbird application. So, let’s know them in below section:

• Firstly, Thunderbird works on different operating systems like macOS, Windows, and Linux, which makes it ideal for multi-platform users, unlike Apple Mail which is based on macOS-only.
• It also allows more customization and users can explore through themes and add-ons, which gives space to the users for their own email setup process.
• Besides, it incorporates add-ons which ultimately boost and improve the versatility of the users, hence making it more efficient than Apple Mail.
• Thunderbird is a completely open source and free program which provides a more enhanced version of the Apple mail solution without any charge.

Migrate Apple Mail to Thunderbird – Method Comparison The right method depends on whether you want to migrate the entire mailbox, access the emails from the mail server, or transfer a few messages only. If users want to move their Apple Mail archived mailbox, you can use the MBOX format. In case you are opting for messages that are already hosted on the server, you can choose IMAP. Whereas EML would be best for transferring selective messages.

How to Import Apple Mail to Thunderbird – Manual Methods

Here in this section we will provide you various options to export your apple emails to Thunderbird through manual as well as automated approach. You just have to follow the steps carefully in the upcoming section. Also Read: How to Migrate Opera Mail to Thunderbird? Comprehensive Guide

#1. Migrate Apple Mail to Thunderbird Using MBOX Format

When you export the Apple Mail mailbox, remember to find the file on your Mac system first. Use source only until you check the imported messages.

1. Launch your Thunderbird and open the import options to check what it offers
2. If you can see an option for importing MBOX, then select it and follow the instructions you see on the screen
3. In case, Thunderbird fails to provide a suitable option, see if there is a compatible ImportExportTools NG version for your Thunderbird installation
4. Next, select the MBOX file or mailbox data according to the add-on steps
5. Now, choose the relevant destination folder and start the process
6. Access the imported folder and verify the messages and attachments

Apple Mail export packages and Thunderbird import processes may vary in different versions. If the exported data does not import properly, check the file structure and follow instructions that suit your installed software. Note: Do not assume that Apple Mail data can be imported directly to the Thunderbird version through its built-in import feature. You need to check for various import options before starting. Also Read: Know How to Import Gmail Folders into Mac Mail Without any Trouble?

#2. Transfer Emails via IMAP Account

This is the method for the users who are not usually comfortable in following manually, then IMAP account can work as a mediator between them in order to import Apple mail to Thunderbird .

1. Firstly, sign in to a cloud-based IMAP email account (like Gmail or Outlook) in both Apple Mail and Thunderbird.
2. Then, you need to drag the emails or folders which you want to migrate into the IMAP account and wait for them to sync.
3. Next, open Thunderbird and add the same IMAP account, and the synced emails will appear on the screen.
4. Now, just drag those emails from the IMAP folders to your Thunderbird’s local folders if you want to save them locally.

Limitations: This method is reliant on the internet connection, credentials, the amount of capacity available, and the sync settings. It could fail to transfer local emails or the configuration of Apple Mail. Always verify imported emails before removing anything from the source account.

#3. Using EML Files For Selective Import

As, this is the method which is particularly more effective if you want to export specific emails, not the entire folder.

• Firstly, go to the Apple Mail application. Then, select the emails which you want to transfer.
• Next, drag them to your desktop and save as .eml files extension.
• Now, open Thunderbird and create a new folder.
• Lastly, drag those .eml files which you have saved earlier into it to complete the import process.
• At last, open a few imported messages in order to check if their content, sender information, date, and attachments are accessible.

Drawbacks: This technique works more effectively when you have to transfer selective mails rather than the entire accounts. As per the process of export and import, organization of folders and certain app-specific features may still need to be set manually. Common Problems While Migrating Apple Mail Data Users may face problems which we have described below. To import Apple mail to Thunderbird clients, you need to know these factors.

• It is possible that you won’t see the import option for Apple Mail in Thunderbird, irrespective of the version you are using
• There can be an issue with missing messages, when you do not export all the folders of the mailbox in a proper way
• Thunderbird may not show attachments, if the transfer of the attachments is not done properly
• You need to choose the supported format during the export process to avoid Thunderbird file rejection
• If you have a bigger mailbox size, then the import process can be slow to complete
• Thunderbird may not be able to keep the existing folder system in the mailbox

Migrate Apple Emails into Thunderbird – Easy Steps

Follow these simple steps from the tool to successfully import Apple mail to Thunderbird. Step 1. Firstly, Download & Launch “SysTools Mac Thunderbird Import Wizard” Software in your system. Step 2. Select “Import Mails” option and choose MBOX from the dropdown (since Apple Mail uses this format). Step 3. Then, click on the “Add Files” button to import your MBOX file. Browse and select the file and click on the “Choose” button. Step 4. After adding the file, you’ll see it listed on the left. You can also change the Report Path by clicking Change Button. Step 5. Note: Use Remove to delete the files individually.

• Remove All to clear all the selected Files.
• Then, click “Next” to proceed.

Step 6. Here, you can Mark/unmark files for import as needed. Select the Thunderbird identity from the dropdown list, and choose where to save the data (Local Folders or Configured Account). Step 7. It also provides the system location Path. Step 8. Select the Address Book and Calendar options if needed, and use the Date Filter to import specific data. Step 9. There is also an option to select the Date Filter option to import data according to the data as per your choice. Choose Maintain Folder Hierarchy to keep the folder structure intact. Step 10. Click “Import” to start the process to import Apple Mail to Thunderbird. Step 11.Once completed, a success message will appear. Click “OK“. Step 12. View the import report with details like file path and number of mails imported.

Conclusion

After reading this article, you will understand how to import Apple Mail to Thunderbird easily with these manual methods. We have explained each of them in a detailed manner. Then, you have also seen you can move your entire mailbox or select particular emails based on your requirements. These steps ensure a smooth transition to Thunderbird, which gives you the option to customize and use multi-platform features.

FAQS – Frequently Asked Questions